Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Featured in: Bright Cozy Dinners

This dish features tender pasta enveloped in a creamy, roasted cauliflower and garlic sauce. Cauliflower, garlic, and onion are oven-roasted until golden, then blended with cream, milk, and Parmesan to create a rich, velvety coating. Tossed with pasta and finished with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes, it offers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:25:42 GMT
Creamy, flavorful roasted cauliflower garlic pasta, a comforting vegetarian weeknight dinner, ready to enjoy. Save
Creamy, flavorful roasted cauliflower garlic pasta, a comforting vegetarian weeknight dinner, ready to enjoy. | citrusfold.com

Indulge in the cozy comfort of creamy roasted cauliflower garlic pasta, where silky strands of pasta are enveloped in a luscious sauce made from tender, golden roasted cauliflower and fragrant garlic. Enhanced with parmesan and fresh herbs, this Italian-inspired vegetarian dish is the perfect solution for a nourishing weeknight meal that feels both special and satisfying.

Creamy, flavorful roasted cauliflower garlic pasta, a comforting vegetarian weeknight dinner, ready to enjoy. Save
Creamy, flavorful roasted cauliflower garlic pasta, a comforting vegetarian weeknight dinner, ready to enjoy. | citrusfold.com

This pasta combines the warmth and depth of roasted veggies with the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta. The magic happens when freshly roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion are blended into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to every strand, creating a harmony of flavors that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables
    • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
    • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
    • 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • Pasta
    • 350 g (12 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • Dairy & Liquids
    • 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
    • 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
    • 45 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasonings & Garnish
    • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
    • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
    • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss cauliflower florets, garlic cloves, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cauliflower is golden and tender.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 180 ml (3/4 cup) pasta water, then drain pasta.
5. Transfer roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, milk, parmesan, and half of the reserved pasta water. Blend until completely smooth. Add more pasta water as needed until sauce is creamy and pourable.
6. Return cooked pasta to the pot. Pour the cauliflower sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Heat gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, adding extra pasta water for a silkier sauce if desired.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Das Rösten der Blumenkohlröschen sorgt für ein leicht karamellisiertes Aroma, das die Sauce besonders reichhaltig macht. Achten Sie darauf, die Zutaten gleichmäßig zu verteilen und wenden Sie diese zur Halbzeit, damit sie perfekt garen. Beim Pürieren können Sie die Menge des Pastawassers je nach gewünschter Konsistenz anpassen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine vegane Variante ersetzen Sie Sahne und Milch durch ungesüßte pflanzliche Alternativen und den Parmesan durch Hefeflocken. Zusätzliche Gemüse wie sautierte Pilze, Erbsen oder Spinat lassen sich problemlos hinzufügen. Verwenden Sie Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta für individuelle Ernährungsvorlieben.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie dieses cremige Pasta-Gericht mit extra geriebenem Parmesan, frisch gehackten Kräutern wie Petersilie oder Basilikum und einem Hauch Zitronenschale für eine frische Note. Optional verleihen rote Chiliflocken Ihnen eine angenehme Schärfe. Ein knackiger grüner Salat passt hervorragend dazu.

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| citrusfold.com

Mit einfachen Zutaten und einer kleinen Portion Liebe entsteht hier ein Gericht, das Familie und Freunde begeistern wird. Die Kombination aus süßem, geröstetem Blumenkohl, aromatischem Knoblauch und cremigem Käse macht dieses Pasta-Rezept zu einem echten Wohlfühlfavoriten, der immer wieder gerne auf den Tisch kommt.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve a creamy sauce with roasted cauliflower?

Roast the cauliflower, garlic, and onion until tender and golden, then blend them with cream, milk, and Parmesan. Adding reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce to a silky consistency.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, substitute cream and milk with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.

What pasta types work best for this dish?

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well, but feel free to use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.

How do I add extra vegetables to this meal?

Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be mixed in to boost the vegetable content and add variety.

How can I enhance flavor when serving?

Top with extra Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added zest.

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Pasta tossed in a smooth roasted cauliflower and garlic sauce with Parmesan and fresh herbs for a cozy dish.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Total duration
45 minutes
Provided by Lena Brookfield

Recipe group Bright Cozy Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian-inspired

Makes 4 Serving count

Diet details Meat-free

Ingredient list

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 6 cloves garlic, peeled
03 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped

Pasta

01 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

Dairy & Liquids

01 1/4 cup heavy cream
02 1/4 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
04 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Garnish

01 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
05 Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare oven and vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cauliflower florets, garlic cloves, and chopped onion with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 02

Roast vegetables: Roast vegetables for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until cauliflower is tender and golden brown.

Step 03

Cook pasta: While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 04

Blend sauce: Transfer roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, and half of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, adding more pasta water as needed to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Step 05

Combine pasta and sauce: Return pasta to the pot. Pour the blended sauce over the pasta and toss to combine. Warm gently over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, adding extra pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Step 06

Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

What You Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Serving utensils

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, milk, Parmesan) and wheat (regular pasta).
  • For gluten-free needs, use certified gluten-free pasta.
  • Check product labels for potential hidden allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Provided for informational purposes. Doesn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calories count: 410
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 14 g